Denon AVR-X1600H vs Onkyo TX-SR494

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Votes 1 1
Rating 5 5

AVR-X1600H vs TX-SR494 comparison chart

Denon AVR-X1600H vs Onkyo TX-SR494 review

Denon AVR-X1600H
vs
Onkyo TX-SR494

Along with the growing popularity of custom home theater builds, the comparison of Denon AVR-X1600H and Onkyo TX-SR494 takes place. According to the results of our review, Denon AVR-X1600H received 7.6 points out of 10 possible, and Onkyo TX-SR494 was rated 5.5 points. Both AV receivers were introduced in 2019. Based on the data on the characteristics and features of both models, we can conclude that AVR-X1600H has better performance than TX-SR494.

Main advantages Denon AVR-X1600H over Onkyo TX-SR494

  • There is WI-Fi support.
  • The Spotify support is an exclusive advantage.
  • There is support for Apple AirPlay.
  • Include HDMI eARC function.

Main advantages Onkyo TX-SR494 over Denon AVR-X1600H

  • We do not know advantages

Amplifiers

For the built-in amplifier, the models have rated 7 points out of 10.

AVR-X1600H
7
TX-SR494
7

The number of channels is equal to the number of possible connected speakers. Both receivers can handle the 7.2-channels configuration.

RMS stands for the actual power of the receiver. The higher this value, the louder the sound can be produced. The differences between the models in terms of RMS power are significant - for the TX-SR494 this value is 135/6 W/Ohm, and for the AVR-X1600H it is 120/6 W/Ohm.

AVR-X1600H TX-SR494
Channels7.27.2
Stereo power (RMS), W/Ohm80/8, 120/6135/6
Output impedance, Ohm8, 66
Frequency response10Hz-100KHz10Hz-100KHz
THD in stereo, %0.080.08

Audio features

After reviewing the audio features of each model, we can rate the AVR-X1600H 10 out of 10, and the TX-SR494 - 9.

AVR-X1600H
10
TX-SR494
9

Most receivers now come with a microphone included. It is with the help of this microphone that the auto-calibration system functions, which adjusts the sound of the receiver to the room.

Speaker A/B switching allows you to change between the main and sub speaker set. Denon AVR-X1600H can work with the main and additional set of speakers - and switch between them.

AVR-X1600H TX-SR494
Digital to analog converter (DAC)384 KHz/32-bitAKM 384 KHz/32-bit
Bi-amping
Pure direct (straight)
Auto speaker calibrationAudyssey MultEQ XTAccuEQ
Speaker A/B switching
Other audio featuresAudyssey Dynamic Volume, Audyssey Dynamic EQ, Compressed Audio RestorerAdvanced Music Optimizer, Hi-Res audio

Connectivity

The connectivity of competitors in our comparison is markedly different, Denon AVR-X1600H scored 8, and Onkyo TX-SR494 scored 5 out of 10.

AVR-X1600H
8
TX-SR494
5

Wireless connection via Wi-Fi is possible only on the Denon AVR-X1600H.

Bluetooth connection is now one of the main communication protocols for the receiver's control or even music broadcasting.

Wired internet connection via RJ45 allows receiver faster connection than wireless or even use NAS storages. Wired connection via RJ45 is possible in the AVR-X1600H only.

AVR-X1600H TX-SR494
Wi-Fi
USB1 (USB 2.0)1 (USB 2.0)
Bluetooth
Ethernet (RJ45)1
DLNA
MHL

Streaming services

Now music streaming services are gaining more and more popularity. They allow users to listen to millions of songs by subscription.

AVR-X1600H TX-SR494
Apple Music (AirPlay)AirPlay, AirPlay 2
Amazon Music
Spotify
Other streaming servicesDeezer, TIDAL, Pandora, Napster, TuneIn Radio, iHeart Radio, Mood Mixhas not

Extensive connections

The presence of many connectors makes the receiver more versatile. But there are also narrowly targeted models, the number of connectors which are limited to a certain area of use. And when choosing their own receiver, users need to consider exactly your goals for using the receiver. For extensive connection, Denon AVR-X1600H got 8 points, but Onkyo TX-SR494 received 6 points.

AVR-X1600H
8
TX-SR494
6

Denon AVR-X1600H is equipped with 6/1 HDMI inputs and outputs, and Onkyo TX-SR494 has 4/1 HDMI inputs and outputs.

HDMI eARC is the next step in the development of audio return channel technology, which works in conjunction with HDMI 2.1. Using eARC provides the highest sound quality for home audio systems. HDMI eARC is available only on Denon AVR-X1600H.

The HDCP encryption protocol is now mandatory for most media devices. This security technology encrypts digital signals from one product to another. HDCP content-encryption protocol is present on Denon AVR-X1600H in the HDCP 2.3 version, and Onkyo TX-SR494 has the HDCP 2.2 version.

Connecting a vinyl player or phonograph is possible using a Phono input which is represented by mini-jack or RCA connectors. Only the AVR-X1600H has a Phono interface.

AVR-X1600H TX-SR494
HDMI input/output6/14/1
HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel)
HDMI eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel)
HDMI CEC
Digital content protection (HDCP)HDCP 2.3HDCP 2.2
Subwoofer output (LFE)22
Headphone output1 x 6.31 x 6.3
Optical digital input21
Coaxial digital input11
Composite input20
Component input/output0/00/0
Phono (MM) input
Front panel connectorsUSB, HDMI, phones, setup micUSB, phones
Multi channel preamp output

Video features

The AV receiver is the heart of the home theater. And in this case, support for all current video formats ensures the best user experience, so it is very important to consider this when choosing a device. Video features of rivals in our comparison were rated 6 out of 10.

AVR-X1600H
6
TX-SR494
6

AVR-X1600H TX-SR494
HDR (High Dynamic Range)HDR10HDR10
4K signal pass-through4K/60Hz4K/60Hz
8K signal pass-through
HDMI signal pass-through
3D signal pass-through
HDMI pass-through in standby mode
Video conversion
Analog to HDMI scaling
HDMI to HDMI scaling
Dolby Vision
Other video featuresHLG, BT.2020DeepColor, x.v.Color, HLG, BT.2020

Additional features

In terms of evaluating additional features, the AVR-X1600H got 10 points, but the TX-SR494 has 6.

AVR-X1600H
10
TX-SR494
6

Voice control allows you to control the basic functions of the receiver through a smartphone, smart speaker or using the microphone that comes with the kit. The AVR-X1600H can be controlled by voice via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI. Only the Denon AVR-X1600H has the ECO mode.

AVR-X1600H TX-SR494
Voice controlAmazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Siri, Josh.AI
App controliPhone, iPad, iPod, Android, Amazon KindleiPhone, iPad, iPod, Android
Displaycolour OSDfluorescent
TunerAM, FMAM, FM
Sleep timer
Auto power off
ECO mode
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Setup assistant
Firmware updatenetwork, USBUSB
Other additional featuresIP Control, Web Controlhas not

Multi-room

As the center of a home media system, each multichannel receiver has an additional set of terminals for connecting the second set of speakers to create additional audio space in Zone 2 or even Zone 3 where audio can have the separate source.

AVR-X1600H TX-SR494
Multi-room zones22
Zone audio outputspeaker, preoutspeaker
Zone HDMI output
Multi-room controlHEOS Apphas not
RS-23200
Remote control input/output (IR)0/00/0
DC trigger output (12V)00

Multichannel surround

For the ability to create multichannel surround sound, each of the receivers received 7 points out of 10.

AVR-X1600H
7
TX-SR494
7

AVR-X1600H TX-SR494
Dolby Atmos
Dolby TrueHD
Dolby Surround
Dolby (other)Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos Height VirtualizationDolby Digital Plus, Dolby Atmos Height Virtualization
DTS:X
DTS HD Master
DTS Virtual:X
DTS Neural:X
DTS (other)DTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESSDTS-ES, DTS 96/24, DTS-HD, DTS-EXPRESS
Auro-3D
IMAX Enhanced
Multichannel stereo
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